• Hong Kong Open

McIlroy holds no regrets over up-and-down season

ESPN staff
November 16, 2010
Paul Casey sympathetic to McIlroy move

Rory McIlroy believes his year playing on the American circuit has helped him develop as a golfer.

McIlroy announced he would not renew his membership for the PGA Tour in 2011, opting instead to compete on the European circuit with the likes of Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer.

The world No. 10 captured his maiden PGA Tour title at Quail Hollow earlier in the year, but he admitted he had struggled to find any consistency in his game.

"This year hasn't been as successful as I wanted it to be," McIlroy said. "I felt as though I played good enough to have a couple more wins but that's the way golf goes sometimes.

"It's been a good 12 months but then I've had my ups and downs. I've thrown in some really good golf and I've also had some pretty average weeks as well."

McIlroy's decision to turn his back on the American tour was largely fuelled by his admission of missing his home comforts, but he insists he has no regrets about his season playing with some of the world's best players in the US.

"I found out a lot about myself and why I was playing and what makes you happy and what makes you want to play golf," he said. "I found out the places I like to go to has a lot to do with it, and also there's no point playing a golf tournament where you don't want to be at.

"In announcing I was quitting the US Tour, I didn't think it would have been such a big deal but then with Lee Westwood not going and Martin [Kaymer] still undecided, I can see how it could create a bit of a stir. But at the end of the day, you have to make yourself happy. You have to look after No. 1."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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